The Carabao Cup kicks off with a local derby as Stockport County hosts Crewe Alexandra at Edgeley Park. For League One side Stockport, this match represents a chance to bounce back from a difficult start to their league campaign and secure a spot in the next round. Under the management of Dave Challinor, the Hatters will be looking to their superior league position and home advantage to assert their dominance. However, they will be wary of their local rivals, who will be motivated to cause a cup upset. League Two side Crewe Alexandra, under the management of Lee Bell, comes into the fixture with the same ambition. This is a marquee event for the Railwaymen, offering a chance to test their mettle against a higher-tier opponent and potentially produce a famous giant-killing performance.
Stockport County has had a mixed start to their League One season, with a number of key players still finding their form. The team will be looking to its star forward, Isaac Olaofe, to rediscover his goalscoring touch. Crewe Alexandra, on the other hand, has had a slightly better start to their league campaign, which should give them a confidence boost. This match promises to be an interesting tactical affair, with Stockport County expected to dominate possession and Crewe Alexandra likely to adopt a more defensive approach, looking to hit their opponents on the counter-attack.
Match Details
Competition: Carabao Cup, First Round
Location: Stockport, England
Stadium: Edgeley Park
Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Kick-off Time: 2:30 PM ET / 7:30 PM BST / 8:30 PM CEST
Referee: Scott Jackson
Head-to-Head & Form Guide
The rivalry between Stockport County and Crewe Alexandra is a long and storied one, with a competitive history that dates back several decades. In their most recent league encounters, the teams have been evenly matched, with each team securing a win in the previous season’s League Two. Stockport’s recent form has been a concern, with no wins in their last three matches. Crewe Alexandra’s form has been slightly better, but they have also struggled with inconsistency. The Carabao Cup is a different competition entirely, and both teams will be viewing this match as a chance to secure a crucial victory and gain momentum for the rest of their seasons.
Stockport County:
Stockport County enters this match with the pressure of a difficult start to the season. The team will be looking to its key players, including Isaac Olaofe and Antoni Sarcevic, to deliver a performance worthy of their league status. Manager Dave Challinor is expected to use a strong and disciplined side, prioritizing an attacking approach while being cautious of Crewe’s counter-attacking threats. The home side will be looking to their passionate home crowd for support as they aim to progress to the second round of the cup. With their superior league position, they are the clear favorites to win this match.
August 9, 2025: Fleetwood Town 2–1 Stockport County (League One)
August 2, 2025: Stockport County 0–0 Charlton Athletic (League One)
July 26, 2025: Stockport County 2–2 Oldham Athletic (Friendly)
Crewe Alexandra:
Crewe Alexandra is facing a tough challenge against a higher-division opponent. However, the team will be motivated by the prospect of a cup upset and a chance to beat their local rivals. Manager Lee Bell has a number of new signings at his disposal, and they will be looking to make an impact in this match. Crewe will likely adopt a defensive and disciplined approach, aiming to frustrate Stockport and capitalize on any set pieces or counter-attacking opportunities. The team’s resolve and fighting spirit will be their biggest assets in this match, as they seek to pull off a shock result and advance to the next round.
August 9, 2025: Crewe Alexandra 1–1 Cheltenham Town (League Two)
August 2, 2025: AFC Wimbledon 1–0 Crewe Alexandra (League Two)
July 26, 2025: Port Vale 0–0 Crewe Alexandra (Friendly)
Tactical Analysis & Key Players
Stockport County is expected to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game. They will rely on their creative midfielders to create scoring opportunities for their forwards. The key matchup will be between Stockport’s attack and Crewe’s defense. For Crewe, the strategy will be more pragmatic, with a focus on staying compact and frustrating their opponents. They will look to the pace of their wingers to launch quick counter-attacks. The match will be a test of Crewe’s resilience against Stockport’s quality. While an upset is always possible in a cup tie, Stockport County’s superior individual talent should ultimately be the deciding factor.
How to Watch Stockport County vs. Crewe Alexandra on TV, Live Stream
CountryTV/Live StreamUnited KingdomSky Sports Football, Sky Sports+United StatesESPN+CanadaDAZN CanadaAustraliabeIN Sports
For viewers in the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports+. In the United States, you can catch the action on ESPN+. In Canada, the game is available via DAZN Canada, while in Australia, beIN Sports will be broadcasting the match. For all other regions, broadcasting information can vary, so it’s best to check official EFL Cup or local sports broadcasting websites for the most up-to-date information on how to watch the match live.
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